Knitting and Crochet Contests, Fall/Winter 2010/2011

As people gravitate toward indoor activities during the fall season, knitting and crochet projects are added to the top of the lists of many fiber artists who plan to craft holiday gifts. Even more, this is the perfect time to participate in knitting and crochet contests that have fall and winter deadlines. Described below are some noteworthy 2010/2011 fall and winter knitting and crochet contests.

Amigurumi 2012 Crochetme Wall Calendar Contest

The popularity of Amigurumi - Japanese knitted or crocheted dolls of cute animal or human designs - makes the Crochetme Wall Calendar Contest extremely worthwhile. The guidelines involve crocheting an originally designed Amigurumi (two to eight inches in height) whose pattern has not been previously published. Any accessible yarn may be used. October 15, 2010 is the deadline to submit entries by emailing two photos of the Amigurumi's front and back views. Thirteen of the Amigurumi submissions will be selected to be featured in the 2012 Crochetme Wall Calendar and awarded $175 each. On November 1, 2010, the winning entries will be posted on Crochetme's blog.

Magic of Mohair Design Competition

Those who are skilled in knitting will enjoy Magic of Mohair Design Competition hosted by Vogue Knitting of New York and sponsored by Mohair South Africa. This contest seeks original, non-previously published hand-knitted designs of women's fashion apparel, in sizes small or medium, that include at least 25% mohair. The designs may be of any level with a maximum of four entries per applicant. A student category is designated to high school, university, or fashion instistute knitters. The deadline for receiving entries is December 1, 2010, the finalists are notified as early as December 3, and they must mail actual garments by December 3, 2010. The grand prize is a seven day trip to South Africa for a tour of a mohair farm, a processing center, spinners and manufacturers of finished mohair products; a Vogue Knitting editorial feature; coverage on Mohair South Africa's website; and a $250 gift card for vogueknitting.com. There will also be a first runner up student and non-student who will receive a Vogue Knitting editorial feature; coverage on Mohair South Africa's website; and a $250 gift card for vogueknitting.com. All finalists will receive a Vogue Knitting gift basket including mohair yarn and supplies ($300 value) and $150 gift cards for vogueknitting.com as well as be exhibited at Knitting LIVE in New York City in January 2011. See Vogue Knitting's contest rules for more details

Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Contest

Crocheters will be interested in the Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Contest that accepts entries between December 8, 2010 and January 31, 2011 (11:59 pm EST) in the form of your own copyrighted photos and yarn descriptions. This contest involves crocheting an afghan (of any yarn type) by following instructional " clues" posted weekly on Bernat's blog between September 22, 2010 and December 7, 2010. On February 3, 2011, winners are notified and will be awarded a free blanket pattern of their choice from Bernat's website along with the recommended yarn (prize value of $100 Canadian). Sponsored by Spinrite of Ontario, Canada, this contest is open to both US and Canadian legal residents age 18 and over and has a limit of one person per project.

Overall, using your knitting and crocheting skills for a contest is an enriching experience. It creates excitement, increases your motivation, and has the possibility of opening a door to a huge reward. Especially important, you are expressing an appreciation for your craft by participating in knitting and crochet contests.

Sources

"Bernat Mystery Afghan Crochet-Along Contest Rules."Bernat.

"Crochet Me."Interweave Press, LLC.

"Vogue Knitting>Contest>Magic of Mohair Design Competition."Vogue Knitting.